It's All Black + White

The Style File by Shi Studio

If all the colour clashing summer months have left you feeling a little overwhelmed, now's your chance to take things back a few steps and get minimal. It’s time to see things as they are; in black and white. Create a little mystery with sheer layers in contrasting colours and varied hems, different textures and revealing details of what lies beneath to create some fashion harmony.

Festival Fashion

The Style File by Shi Studio

Music festivals play to different fashion rules. It part comes down to practicality and the weather, but mostly just to the whole spirit of the event. vancouver Island itself is host to many music festivals this summer, including the Tall Trees Festival, Folk West, and the Big Time Out, so what to wear? The coolest of festival fashion, of course - which translates as layers, shorts (leather or denim) or a floral all-in-one can work, a scarf or two, a good little jacket (to wear with a fringed vest or a wispy dress) and a pair of shades to protect eyes from the sun, from the glare of day through lack of sleep and also to look a bit cool. Don't forget a cute hat can also hide that hair when it gets a little mucky out there!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

The Style File by Leah Wong

Unleash your inner animal by wearing leopard print this fall. A popular pattern used by designers on the runway, leopard is also being worn by many of our favourite fashion bloggers. All eyes will be on you if you go bold with a leopard dress or faux-fur coat, if you’re feeling tame, try a touch of animal with a bag or a great pump.

Classic in Camel

The Style File by Leah Wong

Designers chose camel as their neutral of choice this season. While warm coats were commonly seen on the runway, this elegant colour also appeared in the form of shorts and skirts. A richer, buttery version of the popular neutral, nude, seen in the summer, camel is the neutral of choice this season. Camel is easily paired with other colours and prints, making it the perfect addition for your wardrobe.

Elegant in Olive

The Style File by Leah Wong

Designers continued to incorporate military-inspired pieces into their pre-fall collections. Olive is one of the prominent colours in the utilitarian palette - though this colour has roots in clothes made for camouflage, designers created feminine dresses in rich olive tones, softening the colour. Take cues from stylish fashion bloggers as they pair olive, utilitarian jackets with their white summer dresses.

Sparkling Sequins

The Style File by Leah Wong

Transitional, pre-fall collections are beginning to hit stores, and though you may not be ready to wear sweaters and boots just yet, some trends can be worn now. Embellishments were popular in fall and pre-fall collections, sequins are one way to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe. Start incorporating them when out at night, or as a floral embellishment on a casual piece during the day.

Crochet Chic

The Style File by Leah Wong

A far cry from your grandma’s doily, crochet has been given a modern makeover this spring. As crochet is associated with the past, it provides a vintage vibe to any outfit. Though designers made entire dresses out of crochet, there are many pieces using this intricate technique as an accent. Crocheted accessories - especially scarves - are another easy way to incorporate this look into your everyday life.